About
Christophe Bellanca
Chef Christophe Bellanca is a Michelin-starred French chef celebrated for his modern approach to classic cuisine. Raised in the mountainous region of Ardèche, France, he built a distinguished career in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens, including Georges Blanc in Vonnas, La Pyramide under Patrick Henriroux in Vienne, Régis Marcon in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, and six formative years with Anne-Sophie Pic at Maison Pic in Valence.
In 2004, Chef Bellanca moved to the United States, where he was named Best New Chef while at L’Orangerie in Los Angeles. A pivotal meeting with Chef Thomas Keller brought him to New York City, where he served as Executive Chef at Le Cirque and later as Corporate Executive Chef for the BLT Restaurant Group.
From 2011 onward, he was Culinary Director for Joël Robuchon USA, overseeing L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in New York and Miami. Under his leadership, the New York location earned two Michelin stars, and Chef Bellanca helped preserve and evolve Robuchon’s legacy while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.
In 2022, Chef Bellanca opened Essential by Christophe on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where his philosophy of “only the essentials” defines a refined, ingredient-driven experience. The restaurant quickly earned one Michelin star, affirming its place among New York City’s leading destinations for contemporary French dining.